Immaculate Heart
of Mary Pray for us.
Lord you place deep in our hearts the
love of Mary Help of Christians.
Through her prayers grant
wisdom to our leaders and
integrity to our citizens.
Under her protection may
Australia be granted harmony, justice
and peace. We ask this through Christ
our Lord. Amen.
THE FACE OF MERCY 2015 ADVENT REFLECTIONS
The following website provides Advent readings and free daily reflections www.thefaceofmercy.org.au
Jubilee Year of Mercy Pope Francis has called for a Jubilee Year of Mercy and is calling on us to celebrate this Jubliee as a “special time for the Church; a time when the witness of believers might grow stronger and more effective.” The following days lend themselves to reflection of Mercy:
8 December, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Opening of the Year of Mercy in Rome. It is sug-gested that Mass be celebrated in each parish with an emphasis on the opening of the Year of Mercy.
13 December, Third Sunday of Advent. Opening of the Door of Mercy at St. Mary’s Cathedral during the 10:30am Mass. Parish delegations (banners welcome), individuals and families are encouraged to attend this liturgy with its pro-cession and unique rite.
25th December, Nativity of the Lord: Pope Francis has described the incarnation as “when Jesus becomes man…. In this real world, marked by so many things, good and bad…. God shows that He is merciful towards humanity”
WIN THE WAY TO WORLD YOUTH DAY IN POLAND IN JULY 2016!
CCD Sydney is holding a competition for current Year 9 & 10 public secondary stu-
dents to win free pilgrimages to World Youth Day 2016 in Poland via Prague. To
enter, handwrite 300-500 words (or submit artwork with a reflection) about why you would like to go to WYD as a pilgrim, then
have your entry endorsed by a Priest (preferably your Parish Priest) and contact
CCD on 9307 8330 asap or email: [email protected] for paren-tal permission form and further information.
Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
Next weekend we will have the annual appeal. As happens every year, Vinnies are
also asking for items for their Christmas Hampers, a very welcome gift for many
people. Items for hampers include sweet and savoury biscuits, tinned fruit, jams,
nuts, jellies, tea, coffee, puddings, tarts….
As well as money and items for hampers, the St. Vincent de Paul society team has
also recommended that parishioners be offered the opportunity to give a more personal gift to those who may not get many
at Christmas time. You may personalise the gift so that it gets to the right person—for example: a young child, a young moth-
er, an older mother, an older single woman, an adult male. You can bring your wrapped and labelled gift to the Church and
put it under the Christmas tree for St Vincent de Paul to collect. These gifts may not necessarily go to local families, but will
certainly go to families in need in Sydney somewhere.
Also 2015 Christmas cards will be available for purchase once more this year. The cost is $6 per pack of ten cards.
Parishes of Mater Dei Blakehurst &
St Raphael’s South Hurstville
Reflection by Fr Michael Tate
Sometimes our own lives, the life of the Church, the life of socie-
ties and nations cry out for Our Lord Jesus Christ to come again right
now and rescue us right now.
In some instances we can become conscious of Jesus’ saving, transform-
ing power in a particular situation. But, for the whole of humanity
across the millennia, we do not know the day or the hour when death
and all its warriors such as disease and violence, will be absolutely van-
quished by Christ in glory.
This can lead to a type of pain which finds solace in all those things
which dull the spirit. Our Lord gives examples: debauchery, drunken-
ness. Today he might have added ‘living in the virtual world’. Rather,
Our Lord wants us to live in the real world on high alert.
In the meantime each one of us can be a signal of what is to come. Each
time we exhaust ourselves heroically loving someone whom others
might abandon, each time we take a risk because we cry out against
injustice, and in a myriad other ways, we signal that the Kingdom is al-
ready being established on earth.
We could pause for a moment to pray for the strength to be on high
alert for the opportunities to translate the legacy of Jesus into our own
time and place, thus giving reasons to each other for our faith and hope
that Christ has come, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
UNITED IN FAITH, GUIDED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT NOURISHED BY THE
EUCHARIST, COMMITTED TO PROCLAIMING THE
GOSPEL.WE STRIVE TO LIVE AS GOD ASKS “to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8)
BULLETIN 29th November 2015
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 24:1-3
To you, I lift up my soul, O my God.
In you, I have trusted; let me not be put
to shame.
Nor let my enemies exult over me;
and let none who hope in you be put to
shame.
First Reading: Jer 33:14-16
Responsorial Psalm : Ps 24:4-5. 8-9. 10.
14. R. v.1
(R.) To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.
1. Lord, make me know your ways.
Lord, teach me your paths.
Make me walk in your truth, and teach
me:
for you are God my saviour. (R.)
2. The Lord is good and upright.
He shows the path to those who stray,
he guides the humble in the right path;
he teaches his way to the poor. (R.)
3. His ways are faithfulness and love
for those who keep his covenant and
will.
The Lord’s friendship is for those who
revere him;
to them he reveals his covenant. (R.)
Second Reading : 1 Thes 3:12 – 4:2
Gospel Acclamation : Ps 84:8
Alleluia, alleluia!
Lord, show us your mercy and love,
and grant us your salvation.
Alleluia!
Gospel : Lk 21:25-28. 34-36
Communion antiphon: Ps 84:13
The Lord will bestow his bounty, and
our earth shall yield its increase.
First Sunday of Advent
Next week’s readings (6th Dec 2015)
First reading : Bar 5:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 125. R. v.3
Second reading : Phil 1:3-6. 8-11
Gospel Acclamation : Lk 3:4,6
Gospel : Lk 3:1-6
We ended the liturgical year listening to readings with an apocalyptic descrip-
tion of the end of the world. We begin the new season of Advent with simi-
lar apocalyptic warnings. Again the purpose is not to frighten us but to fill us
with hope. The prophet Jeremiah starts with the reiteration of the proclama-
tion of the promise of the Lord. "The days are surely coming, says the Lord,
when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and to the house
of Judah." Faith means accepting what God speaks and offers, rather than
what human beings like and choose. Hope means trusting and accepting
what God promises in Jesus Christ. Hence conversion is integral to respond-
ing to the word of God.
New Parishioners, visitors: Come along and make yourself known to Fr Isidore, our parish priest. He will be delighted to meet you.
Sick List: If you know any sick people you would like parishioners to pray for, contact the parish office.
Mater Dei Piety Stall: Located at the back of the church. Between the Garage and the Kennedy Centre.
Baptisms and Weddings You are very welcome to talk to the Parish Priest, but by appointment only. Please do not set firm dates until you have spoken to the priest. Preparation is essential, for both.
Visitation of the sick and infirm
If you know of someone who is sick and would like a priest to visit them, and receive the sacraments of the Blessings of the sick, or the anointing of the sick, please let the Parish Office know, with name, address and phone number, if possible. Also if they would like to re-ceive the Eucharist regularly in the home.
Watch out! A drunkard was staggering down the street with blisters on both ears. "What caused those blisters on both ears?" asked a friend. "My wife left her hot iron near the phone; so when the phone rang, I picked up the iron by mistake," explained the drunkard. "Okay, but how about the other ear?" continued the friend. "That fool phoned a second time!"
BAPTISM: This weekend we welcome :A) Sade Eloise Warren into the family of the Catholic Church at St Raphael’s South Hurstville. Congratulations to his parents Christopher and MelissaB) Noah Valentino Loborec into the family of the Catholic Church at St. Raphael’s South Hurstville. Congratulations to his parents Pavoa and Dorotea.
1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT
BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
CELEBRANT: Jesus Christ is the light of the world
CONGREGATION: A light no darkness can overpower.
CELEBRANT: Lord God, let our prayers rise up like incense before
you, as we ask that you bless our Advent wreath and these four
candles.
May this wreath be a sign to us of the new life Jesus promised us.
May these candles remind us to wait, full of hope, so that when the Lord comes into our lives we will recognise and welcome him.
Mater Dei Primary School
Christmas Gingerbread Night Join me on Tuesday, 8th December 2015 from 7pm to 9:30pm in the school hall for a Christmas Gingerbread House making night.
Come along and join in the fun to make your own delicious Gingerbread house!
To book your spot please give your non-refundable $35 (per kit) in a clearly marked envelope to the primary school office no later than 27th November 2015. Only 45 spots are available!
A light supper will be provided. For enquiries please contact the Family Educa-tor—Rachel Piper ([email protected]). This is an adult only event and there will be no supervision for children. Altar Servers
Music
Children’s Liturgy Leader
Mary Pereira/ Anna
Power Point Operators
Remember to arrange for a replacement if you are unable to serve in your ministry.Please contact Michael Fernandes 0437 517 758 if there is an error in this table.
MASS TIMES
Mater Dei St. Raphael
Saturday 6.15pm 5.00pm
Sunday 10.00am 8.30am
Tuesday 8.00am
Wednesday 8.00am
Thursday 9.15am
Friday 8.00am 9.00am
RECONCILIATION: (also by appointment)
Saturday 4.30pm
EXPOSITION (St. Raphael Church)
Friday 8pm- 9pm
Saturday From 4pm
Legions of Mary
MD: Meets 10am every Monday
morning in the Piety Stall at Mater Dei.
St R’s Rosary and Meeting every
Friday at 9:30 am downstairs in the Hall.
St Vincent de Paul Society
Meets second Tuesday of each month in the Ken-nedy Centre at Mater Dei at 7.30 pm.
Bible Reading—Mens’ group. Will commence next year.
Mater Dei Home Rosary
Tuesdays
1-12-15. Joan and Peter Hansen 7 Parkside Drive Kogarah Bay 8-00 P.M
8-12-15. Cheddar Street Nursing Home Cheddar Street Blakehurst. 11-00 A.M.
Merry Christmas to all. Rosary will resume on the 1st week of Feb 2016
St. Raphael Home Rosary
Mondays 7.30pm
30/11/15 Manu Ambe 2/34-38 Empress St, South Hurstville
All Welcome
Please Pray for:
Recently Deceased: Ellen Green, Tan Cheng Hoon, Matthew Lo, Margaret Mary Maude, Iris Kirkwood, Michael William O’Sul-livan, Joaquim Maria Jose, Maria Jesus, Giuseppina Melara, Les Higgins, Marian Louise Mitchell, Mary-Anne Harrington
Also pray for: Melita Formosa, Eddy Sta-pleton, Ron Brooks, Francine Kidd, Biaggio Signorelli, Sandra Cesarano, Vincenzo Di Marco, Tina & Giuseppe Capobianco, Pasquale Briglia, Jose Oliveira Fernando Conceicao, Les Woodward, All souls in need. (Please see November Mass offering in the book of remembrance at the front of the
church).
Sick: Zora Jurcevic, Kate Paulis, Billy Mascarenhas, Jeff Bishop, Mario Borean, Michael Higgins, Sam Crawford, George & Therese Mir, Sidney Yenson, Joanne McRea, Sue McDermott, Maria Lefroy, An-dreas Grannakouras, Jack & Sylvia Wood, Brian Waterman Sr Vianney Hatton, Neuyen, T Houng
St Raphael’s School Concert
You are invited to attend the St Raphael’s School Christmas Concert.
Wednesday 9 December 2015 At 6:30pm in the school playground.
All welcome!
Mater Dei Christmas Party Sun 6th Dec 2015, after 10am mass Please bring a plate of food to share with others Also bring your own drinks.
Ministry 5th & 6th
Dec (1st Sunday)
Acolytes / SS
EMHC
Readers
Ministry 28th & 29th
Nov (5th Sunday)
Acolytes / SS
EMHC
Readers
Annual Remembering Service
Come, light a candle, and remember those we have loved and lost.
All invited to share in this Ecumenical gathering of local Uniting, Catholic and Anglican churches. This year at Georges Road, Blakehurst. Afternoon tea follows. Enquiries Bruce Cooke 0412 680 430.
Ministries for Christmas Masses 24th and 25th December 2015
St. Raphael’s Mater Dei
4.30pm Vigil
8.30am 6.15pm Vigil
Midnight 10.00am
Acolytes / SS
Ray, Gary
Michael E.
Bro . Michael
Onsi Graeme
Eucharistic Ministers
Readers
Sonia Reilly
Louise T Jean
Altar Servers
Music
Julia Janet / Marion
Require Musician
Kim/John
Children’s Liturgy
Michelle Kerr
Janet Suchy
Please contact Michael Fernandes 0437 517 758 for MD and Bro. Ben for SR if you would like to serve in any of the ministries.
Both Churches have a hearing loop
installed: switch your hearing aid to “T- coil”.
Please pray for the work of this Council which has been set up as part of the Church’s response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Please pray especially, too, for the victims of child sexual abuse by clergy, religious and Church employees.
Please support the sale of Catholic Weekly and place the
money in the poor box. Cost is $2.00. Thank you.
THE CATHOLIC WEEKLY PULPIT POINTS SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2015
Getting ready for the Year of Mercy: four-page liftout
Mum’s retirement inspires an Aussie guest house in Lourdes
Celebrating Christ ‘as a king whose reign is a reign of truth’: homily
Boost for local order with seven men ordained as priests, deacons
Catholic education is alive, striving and thriving, says priest
Give thanks? Sure. But also pray that jihadists fail in their evil aims
Retirement Guide: 20-page liftout
What makes this Jubilee Year of Mercy extraordinary?
YouTube drew Sr Maria Teresa to consecrated life
PARISH DIRECTORY PARISH PRIEST: FR. ISIDORE ANANTHARAJ
MATER DEI CATHOLIC CHURCH
1008 King Georges Road, Blakehurst 2221, NSW
ST. RAPHAEL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
84 George Street, South Hurstville [email protected] & www.materdei-straphael.org.au
Parish Secretary: Praneeti Cyril Office hours: Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.30am to 2.30 pm
Phone: 9546 2605 - Fax: 95472323 Email: [email protected]
Parish Ministry Coordinator: Michael Fernandes
Office hours: Tues, Wed & Fri 10am – 1pm Phone: 0437517758
Email: [email protected]
Pastoral Ministry Coordinator: Br. Ben Krupowicz Phone: 02 95462544
email: [email protected]
Fr. Jan Chrzczonowicz Priest in residence
(French Chaplain) Phone: 0412786245
Mater Dei Primary School: (02) 95467298
Principal: Mr. Peter Cranney
St. Raphael primary School: (02) 95464898
Principal: Mrs. Annette McKenzie
BAPTISM: This weekend we welcome : A) Sade Eloise Warren into the family of the Catholic Church at St Raphael’s South Hurstville. Congratulations to his parents Christopher and Melissa B) Noah Valentino Loborec into the family of the Catholic Church at St. Raphael’s South Hurstville. Congratulations to his parents Pavoa and Dorotea.
1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT
BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
CELEBRANT: Jesus Christ is the light of the world
CONGREGATION: A light no darkness can overpower.
CELEBRANT: Lord God, let our prayers rise up like incense before
you, as we ask that you bless our Advent wreath and these four
May this wreath be a sign to us of the new life Jesus promised us.
May these candles remind us to wait, full of hope, so that when the Lord comes into our lives we will recognise and welcome him.
More Altar Servers required Tiana / Bianca
Julia Kim Marion
Mary Pereira/ Anna Cindric/Kelly &
Delaney Efrimidis
Angela 31/1
Joumana 7/2
Volunteers required
Chris Wong Adam / Tiana / Bro. Michael/Ray
Michael Eather / Trevor
Remember to arrange for a replacement if you are unable to serve in your ministry. Please contact Michael Fernandes 0437 517 758 if there is an error in this table.
Mater Dei Christmas Party Sun 6th Dec 2015, after 10am mass Please bring a plate of food to share with others Also bring your own drinks.
St. Raphael’s Mater Dei
5.00pm V 8.30am 6.15pm V 10.00am
Greg Max Acolyte req’d Paul Watson
Moya / Ellen Kathy/Henrietta / Sophia
Marguerite
Lovat Family Minh / Rosie Sonia / Trevor Gail / Angela / Luisa
St. Raphael’s Mater Dei
5.00pm V 8.30am 6.15pm V 10.00am
Greg Bro. Ben Sofi Paine Jeff Bishop
Shirley / Ellen Kathy/Henrietta / Sophia
Marguerite
Carl Pavia / George Saab
Fernandes Family Anne-Marie Berry / Fiona D
Wendy Eather/ Cath Logan
Annual Remembering Service – Sunday 6 Dec at 3pm
Come, light a candle, and remember those we have loved and lost.
All invited to share in this Ecumenical gathering of local Uniting, Catholic and Anglican churches. This year at Blakehurst Uniting Church, 973 King Georges Road, Blakehurst. Afternoon tea follows. Enquiries Bruce Cooke